Although my first day at Earl Haig seems like a distant memory, the past few years have flown by. Speaking for the senior students, I can say with confidence that Haig is an incredibly special place that will be hard to leave in just a few short months! With such a huge variety of students, courses, and organizations, it seems like our high school is a little world all in and of itself. With our revamped cafeteria, changes to our event schedule and brand new clubs, it can be hard to keep up. So, for all you Haig Students who want to stay in-the-know, here’s a guide to life at Haig for the 2011/2012 school year!
This year, several changes have been made within the student body and administration. One of the most obvious changes from last year is our huge increase in clubs and councils. At our last count, Haig has 111 clubs—that’s one club for every twenty students! From brand new clubs, such as CARD, to old clubs growing bigger, we have it all. For example, The Student Activity Council (more commonly known as SAC) has expanded to welcome two new positions—Outreach Coordinator and FACES Rep. Carpanatomy is changing up their layout too, and reaching out to include creative writing in every issue. Feel free to send your work to carpanatomy@gmail.com!
When it comes to Haig culture though, it’s important not to forget the grade nines. This lively group is responsible for much of the enthusiasm among the student body. However, reflecting on my own grade nine year, I remember having some trying experiences. Ever heard of the expression, “Sometimes you need to learn things the hard way”? Well, it’s not always true. In many cases, it would have helped if someone had told me, “I suggest you don’t try putting your toonie in the vending machine with the out of order sign, no matter how much you want those Nerds” or, “If you really want to get this over with as soon as possible, don’t leave your phone on during your literacy test.”
As you can see, we seniors didn’t have the benefit of some much-needed guidance in our first years at Haig. You, on the other hand, don’t have to suffer the same fate. I have compiled a list of things that I wish I had known when I started here at Haig. Whether you’re a new kid on campus or would just like to get a little blast from the past, this list can help you along the way. Think of it as a survival guide of sorts, or maybe as a personal credo. I like to think of it as a Marauder’s Map of Earl Haig.
You’re thinking about it? Then do it!
Though it may seem vague, this bit of advice applies to many situations. Making that leap of faith is easier said than done and will sometimes lead to disappointment, but as a wise man in a movie once said, “You gotta risk it to get the biscuit.” So try out for that team, talk to that good-looking person, or go claim that spacious, empty visual arts locker. It could potentially be one of the best decisions you ever make.
Go exploring.
Heard the rumour about the swimming pool in the basement? Or the one about the secret passageway? Well, what’s stopping you? Go find them! Haig is your oyster, boys and girls, and I promise you that when you find that new staircase—the one that takes you from class to lunch in 27 seconds—you’re going to feel on top of the world.
Never say never/ Be a “Yes Man”
I find it wildly frustrating that Justin Beiber seems to own the expression now, but the message applies nonetheless: having an open mind in everything you encounter is going to make for a smoother and more enriching time at Haig. Be a sponge and take it all in—you’ll never get these four years back again.
The difference between year one and year two is massive.
By the end of grade 9, you will most likely be comfortable with the people around you. However, when you start grade 10, it’s going to be a whole new ball game once again. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, since change brings on new and even better opportunities.
What doesn’t kill you…
…Might make you wish it did. It’s going to be like that sometimes. Even when you’ve left every assignment to the last minute, even when you’re pulling an all-nighter and have a test the next day followed by an audition after school, just take a step back and breathe. When it’s all done, you will get to enjoy the fruits of your labour and eventually, you’ll see that the it was all a learning experience.
Having said all of that, I don’t claim to have all the answers to your questions. Who am I to try to give you advice when I’m still figuring it all out for myself? After reading this article, I hope that you’ll indulge in a tasty metaphor and take a risk by reaching for the proverbial biscuit.
